Jessica Bell MPP, University–Rosedale

Protecting Vulnerable Road Users

Vulnerable road user deaths are at an all time high and it is past time that the government took action.

Under Bill 62, the Protecting Vulnerable Roads Users Act, penalties would apply to all driving offences under the Highway Traffic Act that result in the death or serious injury of a vulnerable road user. It includes community service, license suspension, driver re-education and also requires a culpable motorist to attend court for sentencing and to hear victim impact statements. Vulnerable road users include cyclists and people who use mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.

WHEREASthe friends and families of victims are unsatisfied with the lack of consequences and the government’s responses to traffic accidents that result in death or injury to a vulnerable road user,

We the undersignedpetition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Government of Ontario to commit to reducing the number of traffic fatalities and injuries to vulnerable road users; create meaningful consequences that ensure responsibility and accountability for drivers who share the road with pedestrians, cyclists, road construction workers, emergency responders and other vulnerable road users; allow friends and family of vulnerable road users whose death or serious injury was caused by an offending driver to have their victim impact statement heard in person in court by the driver responsible; and, pass Bill 62, the Protecting Vulnerable Roads Users Act.